Ecology

One of safe ways to capture snails & slugs we learned about in Saturday's "All About Bugs" today. Releasing Ladybugs, Preying Mantises & Nematodes was so much fun in the rain.

Leaf minerseat the leaf from inside the leaf and leave this lace-like skeleton. These Soldier Beetles come to eat the Leaf Miners & Aphids. So we will let Nature do their job. ECOLOGY The larvae of many soldier beetle species are predators that feed on small insects, worms, slugs, and snails. They hunt in leaf litter and in other locations that are damp and close to the soil. A few species hunt under loose bark. The larvae of other soldier beetles are herbivores that feed on potato, celery, and other garden plants. As adults, some soldier beetle species feed on nectar and pollen, while others are predators that hunt for aphids and other soft-bodied insects. Soldier beetles and their larvae are a food source for other animals. Birds, bats, and spiders feed on the adults. Spiders, ground beetles, and other soil-dwelling predators feed on the larvae. PEST STATUS Soldier beetles are not considered pests. Predatory species sometimes reduce pest populations (especially aphids) and are considered beneficial. COMMON KENTUCKY SOLDIER BEETLES LEATHERWINGS GENUS: Chauliognathus In Kentucky, the most commonly seen soldier beetles are probably the Leatherwings. These beetles belong to the Chauliognathus genus and are typically 1/2-3/4" long and orange with black markings. The Goldenrod LeatherwingChauliognathus pennsylvanicus, (below left) is commonly seen in

late summer and early fall on goldenrod flowers where it feeds on nectar, pollen, and insects. It is also called the "Pennsylvania Leatherwing." Below right is the Margined Leatherwing, Chauliognathus marginatus Goldenrod Leatherwing, Chauliognathus

Definitely the biggest & Sweetest Gojis come from Matt in Mapleton.